New toilet opened by Julie Fernandez

A new Changing Places facility in Peterborough was opened on the 18th July by television actress Julie Fernandez in Car Haven, behind the Town Hall.
The joint project between Peterborough City Council’s adult social care, children’s services, neighbourhood teams and Enterprise Peterborough, will soon be registered on the Changing Places website.
Julie Fernandez, who starred in hit BBC comedy The Office, said she felt privileged to be asked to open the facility and cut the ribbon saying “I declare this accessible throne open”. She added: “I have travelled around the country and I have never seen a public facility as good as this. This is more than just a toilet, this is freedom and dignity for the disabled people of Peterborough. Although it seems such a simple concept it really transforms a basic human need and will make a massive difference to people’s lives.”

Bryan Tyler, disability forum manager, said: “It’s so good to know that people that couldn’t previously access the amenities and services that Peterborough has to offer, such as the Cathedral, the Embankment or Queensgate because of the lack of accessible, hygienic and easy to reach toilet facilities, can now do so because of the Changing Places toilets.”

Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “The council has worked closely with local disability support groups to ensure that the facility meets the needs of these people.”